If you are operating machinery with hydraulic systems, you probably know how many things there are that can put your tools out of order. Many of the malfunctions that can occur in a hydraulic system are fully possible to repair by yourself; especially when it comes to the most common malfunctions. However, when one of those hydraulic hoses springs a leak, there are a few precautions that are important to remember before you set out to repair it.

Safety is the key element

The important thing to remember, before conducting any repairs, is safety. When working with machinery there are many things that have the ability to harm you, some even fatally; always take all possible safety precautions while repairing your hydraulic system. Keep all components controlled by the hydraulic system lowered while you are repairing your system. If they were to suddenly come crashing down, you do not want to be underneath. If you're new to repairing your hydraulic system on your own, have someone more experienced with you that can help you out. It's a safety precaution as well as a helpful tip to perform a repair as proficiently as possible.

The use of safety equipment

Always use safety goggles and gloves when you're working on your machine. If you were to find a leak in one of the tubes, the pressure from the fluid being shot out the leak could easily penetrate your skin. For the same reason, you should never try to find a leak with your bare hands. It can be hard to tell where a leak in one of the hydraulic hoses is coming from. Since the hoses twist and turn around each other in the system, a pool of hydraulic fluid in one location can have been caused by a leak further away. Clean and dry the hoses for a better overlook. Then use a piece of cardboard to drag along the hoses to find the leak; don't touch them. The liquid isn't just pressurised, it can also be very, very hot.

Importance of cleaning

As you are repairing, clean the system while you're in there. It doesn't take much. Just to wipe the hoses off with clean rags might be immensely helpful the next time you want to try and find a leak. It can also help prevent further damages in the tubing, as no dirt will grind the hoses and possibly cause them to tear once again. Cleaning the system can also help you spot any damages you might have missed while repairing the major problem.

For more information and help, contact hose repair specialists, like those at Hydraulink.